Casuarina Coastal Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Casuarina Coastal ReserveNorthern Territory |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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![]() Estuary Mouth
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Nearest town or city | Darwin |
Established | 1978 |
Area | 1,361 hectares (3,363 acres) |
Visitation | 1,062,200 (in 2017) |
Managing authorities | Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory |
Website | Casuarina Coastal Reserve |
See also | Protected areas of the Northern Territory |
Casuarina Coastal Reserve is a special protected area located near Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory. It's a beautiful spot where the land meets the sea. This reserve is a great place to explore nature and see amazing wildlife.
Contents
Discover Casuarina Coastal Reserve
This reserve covers about 1,361 hectares (that's over 3,300 acres!) of different natural areas. It stretches between Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek. You'll find about 8 kilometers (5 miles) of sandy beaches here. These beaches are lined with tall Casuarina trees and cool sandstone cliffs.
What Makes This Place Special?
Beyond the beaches, Casuarina Coastal Reserve has many interesting habitats. You can explore areas of mangroves, which are special trees that grow in salty water. There are also paperbark forests and thick monsoon vine areas. Each of these places is home to different kinds of plants and animals.
A Look Back in Time
The Buffalo Creek boat ramp was built in the early 1970s. This made it easier for people to get out on the water. The reserve itself became a protected area in 1978. During the 1980s, the boat ramp was made even better. A carpark and toilets were also built nearby for visitors. In 2001, more improvements were made to the facilities.
Meet the Wildlife
Casuarina Coastal Reserve is full of amazing animals! If you look up, you might spot large birds like ospreys and sea eagles flying overhead. You can also see cormorants and gulls near the water.
The reserve is home to a variety of marine life. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, but remember to stay safe and follow all park rules. In the forests, you might find mammals like the northern brushtail possum and the northern brown bandicoot. These animals love living among the trees and plants of the reserve.